A Glimpse into the Future of Flight

Langley Regional Airport (YNJ) is thrilled to share the exciting details from a recent visit by airport staff to Helijet International's headquarters at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Helijet, in partnership with BETA Technologies and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium, hosted an all-electric advanced air mobility flight demo using BETA Technologies’ revolutionary electric ALIA CTOL (Conventional Take-off and Landing) model CX300 aircraft.  Unlike its eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) counterpart, the CX300 uses a conventional runway take-off, demonstrating a familiar and efficient mode of operation for electric flight.

The event marked a significant milestone for Canada's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, giving YNJ staff a firsthand view of the aircraft's quiet, emission-free operation.

Following the impressive flight demonstration, a representative from BETA Technologies provided an insightful discussion on the history and planning behind their electric aircraft, including a significant recent achievement of FAA Type Certification for their propeller—the first propeller designed specifically for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.  The certification is a major validation of the entire electric propulsion system and validates the processes needed for future certification of the electric engine and the complete aircraft.

This demonstration by Helijet and BETA Technologies provided tangible proof that the future of sustainable flight is here.

In line with the Langley Regional Airport 2045 Strategic Land Use Plan, Langley Regional Airport is committed to moving forward as an early adopter and crucial regional hub for AAM.